In a bid to arrest the declining state of boxing in the Philippines, Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Baham Mitra will work closely with all stakeholders to institute reforms and keep up with the fast-changing landscape of combat sports and entertainment.
Going through the statistics of the last three years, emphasized boxing’s alarming decline since 2014 with regard’s the to the number of licenses issued to professional boxers as well as permits for boxing promotions.
Mitra, a cockfighting and basketball aficionado, recently met with matchmakers and promoters to discuss the most pressing issues that beset the sport.
“Sadly, inabutan natin dito na decline about 50 percent sa pro boxers licensing. Hindi na lumalaban kasi masyadong matagal ang paghihintay. Hindi na sila (boxers) kumikita,” said Mitra.
For this, Mitra said the mandatory rest period for boxers after their fight would be reduced from 45 days to 30 days.
“If their last bout resulted in a decision. Mukhang Ok naman na payagan natin. Case to case basis. Pag galing sa knockout, 90 days pa rin ang rest period.”
To open more opportunities and source of income for managers and boxers, Mitra said he will grant the request of the managers to make Philippine ratings from top 15 to top 20.
“Because this is a good marketing for matchmakers abroad. They can market Filipino boxers better kasi nga rated na.”
And for the first time in the history of Philippine boxing, non-rated boxers will now be allowed to fight abroad.
“This is something new. Inabutan ko kasi dito na rule pag unrated boxers, hindi na pwede abroad. Because of the clamor of managers and boxers also, we may allow them. Provided na pinag aaralan din naman ang kalaban nila at mga non-rated din ang kalaban nila or nag uumpisa pa lang.”
Mitra explained that young Filipno boxers are left out when promoters abroad look for fighters to match against their rookie boxers.
“It’s going to be a better experience for the boxers and of course for monetary reasons, mas malaki ang premyo sa abroad.”
Promoter Brico Santig, who was among the boxing managers and promoters who met with Mitra, lauded the move of the former Palawan governor, saying young boxers will have better chances to earn dollars even in their rookie years.
“Maraming promoters ngayon from Singapore, Malaysia and India ang naghahanap ng fighters from Philippines. Ang gusto nila mga baguhan din kasi nagsisimula pa lang mag boom ang combat sport sa mga bansang ito.”
Mitra will also help the promoters and boxers more fights. He said Pagcor will hold regular MMA promotions and he also asked for boxing to be included in its promotion.
“Mukhang Ok naman, naghihintay na sila (Pagcor) ng sulat.”
Santig said Mitra’s bold decision will definitely help put boxing back into the consciousness of the Filipino fight fans.
“Nakita naming mga promoters and managers na handang sumuporta si chairman (Mitra) laluna para sa mga boxers. We will also fully cooperate and support his plans for the future of boxing.”